Windsor Lake Hike

The Windsor Lake Hike is a short but sweet day hike into the Sawatch Mountain Range. This charming adventure warrants stamina as the short trek packs a lot of elevation gain! A great way to get acclimated to the area’s altitude prior to your ascent up a Colorado 14er, this stunning high-country adventure will get your heart rate up without over-exhausting you. Accessible year-round, the road to the trailhead is subject to seasonal closures, so hikers may have to park further away and walk-in. As the lake is in an exposed basin, be sure to check the forecast prior to your adventure to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon storm.

Embark on your journey along the Windsor Lake Hike from the trailhead off the Hagerman Pass Road. From the trailhead, the Windsor Lake Trail tracks southwest along gurgling alpine streams. Soon after departing, you will encounter an intersection, keep left here, and you will be guided beneath the timberline. Enjoy the sparse shade of vibrant aspens and towering pines as you maneuver the rocky terrain towards the lake.

As you near the lake the terrain will become increasingly exposed and rocky. When the path opens to Windsor Lake will take your breath away. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the shimmering lake and sights of the encompassing peaks and the bounding craggy walls. From either direction, hike around the perimeter of the lake and if you are staying the night, nestle beneath the treeline as shelter from the wind. When you are finished exploring the lakeshore, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.